Grants for Australian Businesses and Startups

Australian businesses are doing it tough, with the repercussions of the lingering Covid-19 and a number of government subsidies soon coming to an end. For them cashflow is king and is in short supply. For startups and small business looking to commercialise their ideas or execute a growth strategy, business investment is also in short supply making government grants particularly attractive. Here are some of the top Australian business grants and programmes to look out for in 2021:

Accelerating Commercialisation

This grant is for Australian SMEs, entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and startups who wish to get their novel product, process or service to market by getting access to expert advice and funding.

How much funding can I get?

Business payments worth up to 50% of their expenditure on a given project, which is capped at $250,000 for commercialisation offices and eligible partner entities, and $1 million for other applicants.

Applications are now open. Find out more about the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant or register using the link below:

Apply for Accelerating Commercialisation Grant

Entrepreneurs' Programme

The Entrepreneurs' Programme is part of the Federal Government National Innovation and Science Agenda. The program is available all year round and comprises access to unique services including guidance from experts to help you progress through your goals, financial support and a podcast for entrepreneurs.

How much funding can I get?

A number of initiatives are available all year round including:

• High Growth Accelerator: If successful, this service gives you access to an independent facilitator for up to 2 years. They'll work with you to develop a growth plan to help you realise an Australian and/or overseas growth opportunity. They'll then mentor you as you action your plan.

Apply for High Growth Accelerator Grant

• Growth Grant: For businesses that are part of the High Growth Accelerator funding of between $2500 (ex GST) and $20,000 (ex GST), covering up to 50% of eligible project costs may be granted to help execute the growth roadmap.

Apply for Growth Grant

Listen and get inspired

The Showcase Podcast features Australian entrepreneurs in a variety of industries who have been able to grow, innovate and commercialise their ideas.

Go to Entrepreneurs' Podcasts

Research and Development Tax Incentive

The R&D tax incentive encourages companies to innovate by providing tax offsets towards the costs relating to eligible research and development activities conducted in Australia. Some activities conducted overseas may also be eligible. Once you have registered your R&D activities with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, claims can be made through a registered tax agent or R&D consultant in your company's income tax return.

How much funding can I get?

Companies who are registered for the R&D tax incentive may be eligible for:

• 43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum
• 38.5% non-refundable tax offset for all other eligible entities

Does my business qualify?

If your company is incorporated under Australian law with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per year, you may register R&D activities in the following sectors:

• Agrifood
• Biotechnology
• Built environment
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Software development

Find out about R&D Tax Incentive

MRFF Early Stage Transition and Commercialisation Support Grant

This grant provides eligible organisations the opportunity to work in partnership with Australian small to medium-sized enterprises to progress their medical research and innovation projects towards early stage commercialisation activities. A total funding pool of $79 million is available over three years:

• $10 million in 2020-21 ($2.5 million per Stream)
• $34 million in 2021-22 ($8.5 million per Stream)
• $35 million in 2022-23 ($8.75 million per Stream)

How much funding can I get?

The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs. For each Stream, the grant amount is fixed at a total value of $19.75 million, comprising:

• $2.5 million in 2020-21
• $8.5 million in 2021-22
• $8.75 million in 2022-23

Does my business qualify?

Your project must have at least $19.75 million in eligible expenditure and fall into one of the following four Streams:

• Stream 1: Preclinical medical research or medical innovation projects with commercial potential
• Stream 2: Early clinical development of novel drugs, or novel uses for existing drugs, with commercial potential
• Stream 3: Early clinical development of medical devices with commercial potential
• Stream 4: Early stage development of digital health technologies with commercial potential

Applications open 4 March 2021. Find out more about the Early Stage Transition and Commercialisation Support Grant or register using the link below:

Apply for Early Stage Transition and Commercialisation Support Grant